Louisiana’s First-Ever Black-Bellied Whistling Duck Season Opens Saturday
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Louisiana hunters have a new opportunity this weekend as the state’s first experimental black-bellied whistling duck season opens Saturday, October 3, and runs through October 11, 2026. The nine-day season is open statewide, filling the gap between the September teal season and the regular duck season in November.
The daily bag limit is four ducks, with a possession limit of 12. Shooting hours run from sunrise to sunset — different from standard duck season hours. Hunters are required to obtain a free black-bellied whistling duck permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries before taking to the field. Standard waterfowl requirements also apply, including federal duck stamp registration and Harvest Information Program (HIP) enrollment.
Hunters must submit harvest data to LDWF within 15 days of the season’s close on October 11.
LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth said the season was created in response to the growing abundance of the species in the state. The experimental season received approval from the Mississippi Flyway Council and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regulations Committee. Only black-bellied whistling ducks may be harvested during this period — hunters should confirm species identification before shooting.
For information or to obtain the required permit, contact LDWF Waterfowl Program Manager Jason Olszak at jolszak@wlf.la.gov.
Rapides Man Convicted of Motor Vehicle Theft, Sentenced to Five Years
Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office
Germaneek Beyard has been convicted of theft of a motor vehicle and sentenced to five years in prison, the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office announced. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kenneth Doggett.
Rapides Regional Offers Online Breastfeeding Class for Working Mothers
Rapides Regional Medical Center
Rapides Regional Medical Center will host a virtual Breastfeeding for Working Moms class from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The online course is designed for mothers who are working and continuing to breastfeed, with a focus on managing milk supply and maintaining a pumping routine.
Topics covered include types of breast pumps, proper milk storage and handling, strategies to sustain milk production, and how to prevent common problems. The class will be held via Google Meet; login instructions will be sent by email prior to the start time.
To register, call 1-844-630-5295 or visit rapidesregional.com and select Calendar of Events under Health Education.
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